Brown blood after a membrane sweep

During a membrane sweep, a clinician places a finger through the cervix and separates the membranes from the lower part of the uterus. The cervix can bleed lightly after this contact. Blood that leaves slowly may look brown, and a small amount of pink or blood-streaked mucus can also appear as the cervix changes.

A sweep may be offered near the end of pregnancy to encourage labour, but spotting does not prove that labour will begin. Brown blood can be a normal short-lived response to the examination, while ongoing bleeding needs a different assessment.

Wear a pad and note the colour, amount, and whether the discharge contains mucus. Pay attention to contractions, fluid leakage, pelvic pressure, and your baby’s usual movements. Follow the instructions given by your maternity team. If you are uncertain whether the bleeding is brown spotting or fresh red blood, contact the labour ward or maternity triage for guidance.

Contact your maternity team promptly for bright-red bleeding, bleeding that is increasing or does not settle, severe abdominal pain, regular painful contractions, or fluid leaking from the vagina. Seek urgent help if your baby’s movements are reduced or changed, or if you feel faint or seriously unwell. Use your local emergency number for severe symptoms.

Ask why the sweep was recommended, what bleeding pattern is expected afterward, and which number to call outside clinic hours. You can also ask what happens if labour does not start, how induction would be discussed, and when you should return for an examination.